Sweet success for crafty brewers

WHO knew that a newspaper supplement on craft beer and the local microbreweries in KwaZulu- Natal four years ago would result in not only a relocation to East London for Craig and Lyn Mayhew, but also culminate in a brand new microbrewery with a restaurant being built in Kidds Beach.

The name for the microbrewery was easy – Daxi’s – the nickname they always used when talking about their four beloved dashchunds – “our daxi’s!” and, of course, the logo and icon had to feature a dachshund!

There are even two beers named after the dogs – “Summer” and “Bad Dog Bitter”. Most of the other beers carry regional names, such as “Gonubie Gold”, “Buffalo Pale Ale” – and there’s even a “Kidds Beach I.P.A.!”

And so the journey began. Craig attended a brewing course in England to learn all about the art of making a good beer and on his return, spent most weekends in his garage at home brewing on a small 50L system. He still has this system and often uses it to make sample batches when experimenting with flavours.

While waiting for the sale of the land they had earmarked in Kidds Beach and getting plans approved, they rented a mini-factory in Woodbrook and started producing their variety of ales and lagers. To date they have nine beers, which can be found in selected bottle stores, restaurants and bars.

LOCAL BREW: Daxi craft brews like Gonubie Gold, Amatola Red and Kidds Beach IPA are named in honour of the brewery’s Eastern Cape surroundings Picture: SUPPLIED

LOCAL BREW: Daxi craft brews like Gonubie Gold, Amatola Red and Kidds Beach IPA are named in honour of the brewery’s Eastern Cape surroundings Picture: SUPPLIED

LOCAL BREW: Daxi craft brews like Gonubie Gold, Amatola Red and Kidds Beach IPA are named in honour of the brewery’s Eastern Cape surroundings Picture: SUPPLIED

Their dream is now becoming a reality as the building is already up to roof height and, when complete, it will house not only the brewery, where brew tours can be arranged, but also a 60-seater restaurant and deck with a number of beers on tap, wood burning pizza oven and a large outside play area and play den.

Their vision is to create a comfortable, friendly environment where families can come and relax.

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GO! & Express is a weekly, East London and King William’s Town community newspaper with a circulation of 42 900 copie.
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